Tired of hot flashes and menopause symptoms? Learn how acupuncture can help in this free medical video clip about menopause relief.

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More on How to Relieve Menopause Symptoms : Acupuncture for Menopause Relief

There are several factors that may contribute to a woman experiencing early menopause (menopause before the age of 45), which include premature ovarian failure, surgery, cancer treatment, viral infections, thyroid disease and many others. No matter what the case may be, hearing that you're going through menopause years before you were expecting to enter this transition can be very scary and intimidating, leaving you with many unanswered questions.

It's so very important to realize that you can and will continue to be the same person - you're not going to suddenly transform into an old lady, so don't allow your mind to believe you will. You may be feeling like you're less attractive or less desirable, but when these feelings of inadequacy pop into your head, remind yourself that you're still a young woman and all that comes with it. You're beautiful, sexy, capable and strong. Yes, your reproductive system isn't what it was, but keep in mind that you're much more than eggs and fallopian tubes - you're a woman with so very much to offer.

Symptoms of early menopause can be uncomfortable, but fortunately there are many remedies that reduce and eliminate the discomforts of early menopause. Just as with menopause in an older woman, younger women experiencing early menopause will notice physical symptoms, such as:

• Irregular periods

• Infertility

• Hot flashes

• Night sweats

• Vaginal dryness

• Insomnia or disrupted sleep

• Weight gain (especially around your mid-section)

In addition to the physical symptoms of early menopause, women may also notice some changes in their emotional state, as well. It's not unusual to experience the following:

• Irritability

• Mood swings

• Lowered libido

• Difficulty concentrating

• Confusion

• Fatigue

Coping with symptoms of early menopause can be emotionally difficult. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and other remedies can significantly reduce the physical symptoms of early menopause. Once you've conquered the physical signs it's quite likely that you'll begin to feel like your old self again and, as a result, you'll become more optimistic and emotionally healthy. This is probably why many women choose to make lifestyle changes that have proven to effectively reduce the severity of symptoms associated with early menopause, perimenopause and menopause. For instance, it's extremely beneficial to avoid triggers that have been known to cause hot flashes, such as hot beverages, spicy foods, alcohol, hot weather and warm rooms.

If your sleep patterns have become disrupted, try to avoid foods and beverages that contain caffeine. Also, it's a good idea to read or take a hot bath right before bed so that you're relaxed and more likely to fall into a nice sound sleep.

If you transform your diet into one that is healthy and includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains, you'll notice a tremendous improvement in your overall health and just how much energy you have. You'll want to avoid saturated fats, oils and sugars, and consume approximately 1,500 milligrams of calcium, plus 400 to 800 international units of vitamin D each day. Supplements may be required to reach these amounts. If this is the case, talk with your doctor to be certain you're getting exactly the right dosages and ensure you're on your way to as easy a transition as possible.

You'll be absolutely amazed by what a regular exercise program can do to reduce and even eliminate many symptoms of early menopause. If performed correctly, exercise will protect you from conditions that are common among post-menopausal women, such as heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. In addition to preventing these conditions, exercise will eliminate the weight gain associated with menopause and will also provide you with energy that you thought may not ever come back. Exercise has also been proven to reduce the occurrence of hot flashes.

Hormone therapy (HT) also is quite beneficial in reducing many symptoms of early menopause. Unfortunately, recent studies have shown that the risks of HT, which include heart attack, stroke and breast cancer, may outweigh the benefits. While these studies may have changed the course of HT, estrogen therapy remains the most effective treatment for many early menopause symptoms. If you have not done so already, talk with your doctor to find out if a very low dose of estrogen will provide you symptom relief.

Finally, I know that this is very difficult for you and you're likely very confused. Perhaps you were planning on having children, which may no longer be possible. Even if you weren't considering a pregnancy, early menopause can be emotionally devastating. Please remember that you are young, you will remain young. You will no doubt get through this, because you've shown your strength simply by logging onto the Internet and searching for options and treatments. You're beautiful and you have a strong resolve; I believe this and I want you to believe it too.

Are you and your physician certain the leg pain is related to menopause? This is not a typical symptom of menopause, although it certainly can happen!

What might help us help you:

1. Is the pain deep, aching, stabbing, dull, sharp, shallow, burning?
2. How long have you had the pain?
3. Is the pain constant or intermittent?
4. What makes it worse? What makes it better?
5. Do you have any health problems? Diabetes, arthritis, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, COPD, cardiopathy, etc.?
6. Do you exercise? Do you sit a lot during the day?
7. Do you take medications?
8. Could this be restless leg syndrome? Read about RLS at http://www.perimenopausesupport.com/peri_site/legcramp.shtml
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/restless-legs-syndrome/DS00191

If you take medications or have health issues that may be contributing to this discomfort (as in #5 above) you may want to see your physician for evaluation.

Menopause. The mere mentioning of this completely natural and unavoidable condition strikes fear into the hearts of many women. Don't be afraid - menopause is part of nature's grand scheme and should be approached from this perspective. The bulk of women experience the onset of menopause between the age of 45 and 55. It does not mean menopause cannot begin earlier or later, but the condition usually manifests within this range. When the female body enters menopause it heralds an end to the reproductive cycle.

Menopause occurs because the female body no longer produces progesterone and estrogen at the same rate. The production of these important reproductive hormones decreases dramatically leading to a variety of changes. Women know that it won't be long before they never have to endure the symptoms of PMS or their menstruation cycle again. This may sound like a great event - but there are other symptoms that occur including leading up to this point: fluctuations in appetite, insomnia, hot flashes, hazy or foggy thinking, depression, anger, emotional problems, and mood swings.

Perhaps the most difficult of the symptoms to deal with are emotional in nature. Many women report feeling not like themselves. Depression, anger, and mood swings are common and can present many problems.

Fortunately, there is a way to cope with these problems. You are not alone in your struggle. There are millions upon millions of other women experiencing menopause. In fact, statistics state out that each day more than 4,000 women in the United States alone experience the onset of menopause.

This being said, the options for you to seek help are extensive. If the emotional symptoms you are experiencing are severe or last for a long time it is probably a good idea to seek some help. Emotional disturbances due to menopause do not mean you are crazy: it is a natural process that hits some women harder than others. Counselling can help you get in touch with your feelings. Do not try to battle menopause without some sort of support network.

Relaxation may also be key in your battle against emotional difficulties. Try treating yourself to an afternoon at a local day spa or a relaxing massage. It sounds trite but can really make the difference to your overall mood. If you have access to a Jacuzzi the warm water and the jets can put you into a relaxed state. Sound therapy, light therapy, hydrotherapy, aroma therapy, acupuncture, and acupressure can also provide relief - both emotional and physical. Hypnosis has a good track record in helping women manage emotional stress due to menopause.

It is very important that you enlist the support of your friends - many of whom are most likely going through what you are, and also your partner and close family members. Explain to them how you are feeling. Once they understand why you're being snappy, angry or rude they are more likely to be understanding and help you through what can be a challenging time. In addition, there are support groups available where you can get things off your chest and experience a feeling of solidarity.

Besides more traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) there is a wide selection of natural supplements on the market which can provide both physical and emotional relief from menopause.

Make sure you take care of yourself. If you do not take the first step in learning to cope with the emotional side-effects of menopause, nobody will take it for you.

Resources:

Menozac – for immediate Menopause Symptoms Relief from symptoms including:

• Mood Swings

• Anxiety.

• Palpitations.

• Depression.

You may not be able to sleep and you also may be suffering from unbearable cramps. Are you around the age of 40-55 years old? If you are in between this age range and are suffering from insomnia, cramps, weight gain, hot flashes, and sore breasts; you are suffering from menopause.Visit http://buynaturalprogesterone.net

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More on Cure The Menopause Blues

Aromatherapy isn't the only alternative remedy for menopause symptoms. Believe it or not, but exercise is also a great way to gain menopause relief from unwanted symptoms. Exercise helps you reduce stress, loose and regulate your weight, feel good about yourself, and improve your overall physical and mental wellbeing.

It becomes easier for women to gain wait during menopause due to a slow down in metabolism and the fluctuations or hormones that can increase hunger. Weight gain can actually make menopause symptoms worse. Not only that, but did you know that menopausal women who don't engage in regular exercise, and lead a sedentary lifestyle, are more likely to suffer from -

•Weak and stiff muscles
•Poor circulation
•Insomnia
•Chronic fatigue
•Chronic back pain
•Shortness of breath
•Loss of bone mass
•Depression

In addition, physically inactive women put themselves at a higher risk of developing serious medical conditions including -

•High blood pressure
•Obesity
•Diabetes
•Osteoporosis
•Coronary heart disease
•Cancer

By simply engaging in a regular exercise routine, you can dramatically reduce your chances of developing the above physical and psychological symptoms and conditions.

What are other benefits does exercise offer menopausal women?

Increase in bone mass - When our bodies remain inactive, we lose bone mass, increasing the risk of osteoporosis; a condition that is already a high risk factor for menopausal women due to the fact that their body not longer produces estrogen. However, just because an inactive woman may be suffering from loss of bone mass doesn't mean she can't do something about it.

Scientific studies have found that exercise encourages the rebuilding of bone mass. In fact, engaging in regular, moderate endurance exercises such as walking or jogging can help rebuild bone mass and preserve it, reducing the risk of future fractures. How is this possible? Exercise stimulates the cells that generate new bone to work excessively.

Improvement of hot flashes - Some research suggests that exercise may in fact increase estrogen levels which decreases the intensity of hot flashes

Reduction of mood swings - Exercise boosts your energy and can give you a sense of empowerment and control simply by improving your mood. The positive effect that exercise has on a person's state of mind can be attributed to the release of endorphins that occurs during physical activity. Endorphins are the body's "happy" hormones that also act as a painkiller when the body is injured.

The following are exercises that help to improve menopausal symptoms:

• Endurance exercises - As was previously mentioned these exercises help to build bone mass and include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, aerobics, etc.

• Strength training - This type of exercise is designed to use resistance (IE weights, resistance bands, etc.) to help a person lose excess body fat, increase metabolism, and improve and maintain the strength of their muscles. If you are interested in this type of exercise, it's a good idea to be taught by a qualified trainer.

• Yoga - This is an extremely beneficial exercise to both the mind and body. Yoga can provide energy and balance to a menopausal woman, which is something she may desperately need if her bodily changes are making her feel out of sorts. Yoga also gently stretches every muscle in the body which improves blood circulation, provides oxygenation to all tissues and cells and allows the body to fully relax. It's a good idea to go to a Yoga class to receive proper instruction before going it alone.

Always remember to talk to you doctor before engaging in any vigorous exercise regimen as a means of menopause relief. Also make sure that you ease into your exercise routine and only increase your endurance when your body has become accustomed to the new physical activity.

I have an appt this week to see if I'm going through menopause but for now the sudden Hot flashes are driving me crazy.
Does anyone have a suggestion for controlling them? Or a natural or food suggestion that helps? Thanks.
Oh and I'm 41

My doctor gave me Ambien for the insomnia, and also told me to take extra calcium supplements (I like Viactiv), 1200 mg of fish oil daily, and try an herbal supplement called Changes for Women: Day & Night Formula (from Zand Pharmaceuticals). Also, getting lots of rest, keeping your stress levels low, eating more fruits & veggies & more calcium-rich foods (milk, yogurt, etc) and getting regular exercise would help…and it has.

It's good you're going to your doctor; mine was very helpful, but it took me a LONG time to find help. I started with symptoms at 34, and 3 of the 4 docs I talked to thought I was making it up…even with a family history of premature menopause. So don't take no for an answer! Be firm.

Good luck!